The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. Beyond its size, this gland wields significant powers in regulating metabolism, energy levels, temperatures and even mood.
As the helm of the endocrine system and metabolic regulator, the thyroid gland "blends" a symphony of hormones, particularly Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones influence the heart rate, digestion, body temperature. Thus, an imbalance in the thyroid gland can cause symptoms such as:
Constant Fatigue
Weight Gain/ Loss
Mental Fogginess, decrease in Mental Clarity
Hands and Feet Always Cold
Hair Loss
Always Sleepy, Tired
Slight Eye bulging
The most prevalent thyroid disorder most are diagnosed with are (1) Hypothyroidism and (2) Hyperthyroidism. The hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient T3 hormone production, manifests symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and cold intolerance. However, hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormones and causes symptoms of rapid heartbeat, weight loss and heat intolerance.
The thyroid gland is very dependent upon nutrients to function at its optimal. Nutrients such as Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D and B12 stands as pillars of the thyroid support. Therefore, try to consume foods in your diet like seafood, seaweed (sea kelp), Brazil nuts, seeds and leafy greens.
Another part of keeping this "master regulator" in harmony is stress management. The intricate dance between stress and thyroid function unveils an over-looked aspect to thyroid health. Chronic stress, whether physical, emotional or environmental can disrupt thyroid balance, exacerbating thyroid disorders. So, I encourage stress reduction activities such as meditation, yoga, exercise and lifestyle modification that are conducive to thyroid harmony.
Lastly, the key to supporting your thyroid gland is knowing the hormone levels. The lab markers needed to make sure the thyroid gland is normal are: (1) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), (2) T4, (3) T3, (4) Reverse T3, (5) TPO Antibodies, (6) Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGB), (7) Free T4, (8) Free T3, (9) T3 Uptake.
Often the only lab marker on the lab test is TSH. The TSH marker should not be the primary indicator of thyroid dysfunction. The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is produced in the Anterior Pituitary, not the thyroid! Therefore, the TSH level can be normal yet there are still symptoms (symptomatic). If the TSH level is out of range then the Hypothalamus Pituitary Axis (HPAxis) needs to be supported.
In conclusion, the thyroid gland regulates and influences so many functions for well-being. It's important that this "regulator gland" is in balance by embracing personalized care, rooted in nutrition, stress management and normal lab ranges.
As a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Functional Wellness (Medicine) Practitioner, make sure the thyroid gland is functioning at its peak to give you radiant vitality. If you have extreme fatigue, are always cold/hot, tired, sleepy (even after a good night's rest), and having problems losing weight, it may be time to check the Thyroid Gland, properly.
Chantaye Evans-Carhee, D.C., ACN, CFMP
Pain 2 Wellness Center
3919 Cascade Road
Atlanta, GA 30331
770.406.9355 or 404.699.0966
